Stress associated with SARS-CoV-2 in midwives

Abstract

Background: At the end of 2019, news circulated the world that a new, highly contagious coronavirus had emerged in China that caused severe disease in the respiratory tract. Subsequently, SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly around the world. Healthcare professionals, including midwives, have been on the front lines of the fight against this disease, and their working conditions changed overnight, causing tremendous stress. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to analyze stress among midwives in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Material and methods: This study was conducted in 2020/2021 among 500 midwives. The testing method used was a diagnostic survey consisting of a self-compiled questionnaire. 444 midwives properly completed the survey and their results were analyzed. Results: The study confirmed that the work of a midwife is stressful. More than half of those surveyed changed their attitude towards work when SARS-CoV-2 emerged. Midwives were also more likely to experience stress before going to work. Only a small percentage of the respondents had the opportunity to receive psychological help in the workplace. Conclusions: The stress caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the midwifery profession has had a negative impact on the psychophysical health of this occupational group. Thus, there is a dire need for workplace interventions for midwives to minimize the accompanying stress.